We members of the Body of Christ, have become so enamored with our leaders, we have contributed to their deception as many of them believe they are the reason ministries flourish. The shepherds now think they are the most important creatures in the sheep fold.

Many of those who are members of the flock no longer like to be referred to as sheep because of the negative connotations associated with being sheep. Perhaps they view sheep as being dumb and weak. A member of the General Board has even referred to the people as “dumb sheep”. Sheep are not dumb, they know there is strength in numbers and they flee from danger. They know when they are separated from the rest of the flock they are vulnerable to predators.

Both shepherds and the sheep have lost sight of the Chief Shepherd.

The under shepherds have forgotten, it is not the shepherd who increases the number in the flock, sheep begat sheep. They only reproduce when they are protected, since running and banding together is their only form of defense. Some of those charged with protecting the flocks have become predators. They gnash at the sheep with their words, instead of leading they try to drive them. They use a few selected guard dogs to “keep the sheep in line” because the sheep are afraid of the dogs. They view them as a predator which is why they band together and run away.

The shepherd experiences increase only when the sheep increase. A well fed, protected and healthy flock produces wool which the shepherd can gather, sell and then purchase things which benefit the shepherd. When sheep are protected, fed, healthy, and have their wounds healed they produce wool as well as increase their numbers which is how the shepherd experiences increase.

Jesus said “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” Feeding and nourishment in the life giving Word of God cause sheep to increase in numbers and freely give of their wool. As the Chief Shepherd, Jesus has given the under shepherd the right to live off what sheep produce. If you as a shepherd are experiencing lack it is not the fault of a well-protected, nourished and loved flock. It is because they are not protected, they sense a predator in their midst. GOD said;

“… “surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, nor did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock”—therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require My flock at their hand; I will cause them to cease feeding the sheep, and the shepherds shall feed themselves no more; for I will deliver My flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them.”” (Ezekiel 34:8–10, NKJV)

In many cases the shepherd themselves have become the predator. When your flock is getting smaller, they are not being nourished; they have become prey or as GOD said in Jerimiah 10:21,”…the shepherd has become dull- hearted…” GOD also said;

“A voice of the cry of the shepherds, And a wailing of the leaders to the flock will be heard. For the Lord has plundered their pasture,” (Jeremiah 25:36, NKJV)

You say the people are not coming, the people are not giving, I ask is GOD plundering your pasture because you have made his flock prey for yourself and other predators